Kawasaki GT550 bearing shell/bushing

[sawarduk]

Hello,

I’m currently rebuilding the engine on my Kawasaki GT550 (1991 Z550 G7 I think), as it was knocking. Hopefully I've found the issue, looks like the shell bearings on the connecting rods have been starved of oil. All eight look like this:

https://imageshack.com/a/img812/1203/d6p8.jpg

I've had a search around the internet for some replacements but can’t find anywhere that supplies them. I have found them here and here, although at €10 each, it’s bit steep.

Can anyone recommend a cheaper solution?

OEM Number: 13034-1067
Product Number: 130341067

Cheers!

[The Artist]

No help but jesus, they look like they were about to totally give way. How long had it been running bad?

[Vincent]

Got any contacts in the States? Partzilla have them for £5.59 but they're Int post is a joke.
____________________
Space Is Deep

[temeluchus]

you might get lucky with a bearing factor, but for such a critical component I would be wary not using OEM parts.
____________________
Some shite cruiser. Now with guns and FREEDOM!

[sawarduk]

I bought the bike for £200 with understanding that there was a knocking. I can only assume a previous owner has neglected to put oil in it. It's my first project, so abit of fun and a learning curve.

Thanks for the tips guys, I'll be sure to look up Partzilla and bearing factor option.

[andys675]

ask for a discount from your local kawasaki dealer? you could get 10% off if you ask

only ones I can find for sale on ebay are 17 euros each

you have to watch stuff from the US as it seems cheap until they hit you with import duty, plus the std post office fee to take the import duty
____________________
Some people feel the rain, others just get wet.

[Paddy Blake]

Is the crankshaft worn as well.?

How are the main bearings.?

Do you know how to Check the bearing sizes.?

[Vincent]

[sawarduk]

[Paddy Blake]

Don't by anything until you have a manual.

Each conrod is matched to the crank with the right size shell bearing.

You can't just take them from another engine and swop them over to your crank or just order bearings and put them in.

[Paddy Blake]

Also the oil going to the main bearings gets there the same root as the big end so they will need to be checked.

It would be worth thinking about getting an engine if you can as the cost of parts and gaskets will run up.

[ZRX61]

[DMCpro]

You probably need to measure bearing clearance using plastigauge

You will probably need a manual if you want to get it right also you might be able to download one
____________________
Honda CB-1, TS125X
VW Golf Estate

[andys675]

manual and plastigauge time

you may need a reconditioned crank, but adding to a recon crank new gaskets, then look at your camshaft journals, pistons / rings / bores, and the time required to build all that, sorry to say a used engine might be cheaper in the long run
____________________
Some people feel the rain, others just get wet.

[davebike]

From Kawasaki 7.98 + VAT each

I say used engine is a better bet
These days it is seldom financially viable to rebuild engines

I look really closely at that crank

Dave
____________________
Dave
NC750Xdct + others at work !
davebike1@gmail.com

[sawarduk]

Just a little up date: thanks for all the comments so far.

I found the correct OEM parts on a site called Full Throttle Projects for £3.50 each. Way cheaper than anywhere else! So I'm just awaiting for them to arrive and the engine can start going back together.

[Ed Case]

Looking at the state of that 'shell' the corresponding crank journal has to be in poor shape, The bearing clearances the Japs use are measured in Microns and much off the original specifications and any 'repairs' that you make could be very short lived. I'd be ringing around the local breakers for availability and prices of another complete 'lump'.

[Paddy Blake]